Cylinder Heads

Restoring Engine Compression and Power

Your vehicle's vital systems work tirelessly to keep you moving. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring their longevity and efficiency. Cylinder heads seal the top of your engine's combustion chambers where fuel ignites. They house valves, camshafts, and passages that control airflow, cooling, and lubrication. Cylinder head failure can destroy an entire engine if ignored.

What Cylinder Heads Accomplish in Your Engine

Cylinder heads bolt directly to the engine block and create sealed chambers for combustion. They contain intake valves that allow air and fuel to enter, plus exhaust valves that release burned gases. Models like the Nissan Sentra and Nissan Murano use cylinder heads engineered for their specific performance characteristics. Internal coolant passages flow around hot areas to prevent warping and overheating. Oil channels provide constant lubrication to camshafts and valve train components during operation.

Why Cylinder Heads Crack or Warp

Overheating causes uneven metal expansion that warps the flat sealing surface between head and block. This breaks the seal and allows coolant to contaminate engine oil. Valve seat erosion develops gradually from repeated combustion heat and pressure. Corrosion forms inside coolant passages when antifreeze maintenance is neglected. Bolt threads strip when proper torque procedures aren't followed during installation. Generic aftermarket cylinder heads often use inferior castings that crack under thermal stress. We've replaced countless third-party heads that failed while genuine parts would still be performing.

When Cylinder Head Replacement Becomes Necessary

White exhaust smoke indicates coolant burning inside combustion chambers from head damage. Milky, discolored oil on the dipstick means coolant is mixing with oil through the head or gasket. Overheating that continues without visible coolant leaks suggests internal cracks in the cylinder head. Multiple cylinders losing compression points to severe head damage requiring immediate replacement. Genuine Nissan cylinder heads are machined to exact tolerances that ensure perfect sealing with your engine block. They work flawlessly with components like ignition systems to maintain proper combustion timing. Generic replacements might physically fit but rarely deliver the same precision or durability.

Petro Nissan is your one-stop shop for keeping your vehicle in top condition.